Committee approves seeking Municipal Parks and Recreation grant; county staff urges quick project ideas

Warren County supervisors on Tuesday approved seeking funds through the recently announced Municipal Parks and Recreation Program, a state grant that pays up to 90% of eligible project costs and generally requires a 10% local match.

County planner Ethan told the committee the program, announced by the governor’s office as part of an “unplug and play” parks initiative, is aimed at public parks and playgrounds. Ethan said municipalities must apply for individual projects rather than a single consolidated application for multiple sites.

The committee voted to forward the application request to the full board after a motion from Ms. Turner and a second from Supervisor Stroud. The chairman called for “ayes,” and the motion carried by voice vote.

Ethan encouraged supervisors to propose projects they are already developing, and mentioned potential sites including the fish hatchery and other local recreation facilities. He said the program’s deadline is rapid — staff cited May 2 — and urged municipal partners to contact county staff for guidance through the application process.

Ethan described the grant as suitable for park improvements and playground equipment and said multiple municipalities (Lucerne, Chester and others) have already expressed interest in playground projects. He advised each application must be for a single project and that municipalities should contact county staff for help navigating eligibility and matching requirements.

Notes: The committee’s vote authorized staff to apply; individual municipalities must still prepare and submit project applications and secure local matches where required.